Shawnee County Parks and Recreation pulls the plug on Spirit of Kansas fireworks display – News – The Topeka Capital-Journal

After delays and continued hope that they would still be able to hold the annual Spirit of Kansas fireworks display, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation officials on Monday announced that plans for the public event have ultimately fizzled out.

“We did our best, working with the county commissioners and county health officials to schedule the event safely, first on July 4 and then again in the fall,” said Tim Laurent, Parks and Recreation director. “However, an increase in COVID-19 cases each time made canceling the event in the interest of public health the prudent decision.”

County officials had held off on canceling the fireworks display, and the Shawnee County Commission voted 2-1 to postpone the aerial fireworks shortly before its regular Fourth of July date. Commissioners had suggested Sept. 11 as a new date and potentially finding a different location than Lake Shawnee to allow for better social distancing.

Laurent said it became clear the county couldn’t hold the event following a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases locally.

“Like so many other events that were canceled and will be missed this year due to the pandemic, we look forward to holding the Spirit of Kansas next year and enjoying it even more,” he said.